Invasive species violations dropped in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The rate of aquatic invasive species violations dropped in Minnesota in 2013.

According to the Department of Natural Resources' annual report, the violation rate dropped to 20 percent last year, compared to 31 percent in 2012.

The rate is the proportion of people who were issued citations at roadside check stations set up by conservation officers.

Lt. Col. Rodmen Smith, the DNR Enforcement Division assistant director, says the decrease is good but one in five boaters is still breaking the law. This year, the DNR will increase enforcement of aquatic invasive species laws.

The report also says DNR officials who look at boats and equipment at water accesses conducted 123,000 inspections, which was an increase of nearly 62 percent since 2011.